I watched many of your videos on ebikes and after many weeks of much deliberation, we went with the Rad Mini Step Thur's. We wanted our ebikes for camping and just general trail riding in city parks, state parts, etc., the folding feature was important to us and space was a concern when camping. I guess my question is, are the new models in the 20" Fat Tire models the up and coming thing and is the ebike market going more in that direction, or will it be a ebike for that special use, as we use it. We attended the Rad Desert and Plains Tour in Ft. Worth, Texas last week and most of the people I saw and talked with there were there to ride the Rad Mini's and the Rad Runner, not so much the other model ebikes that Rad had there. I will also say that the age group that attended the Tour was in there 60's and 70's which could account for there choice of 20" Rad models. I personal see where this size ebike works for the older group of riders, it works well for us, as the larger size of ebike would not fit our life style and riding comfort. Just your thoughts on this would be appreciated, thanks, trainman
Your thoughts on the 20" Fat Tire ebikes
- Thread starter trainman
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Hi @trainman, sorry to leave you hanging. I have been traveling and got run down a bit recently with a cold. I'm still recovering but wanted to get back to you. There does seem to be a trend in the ebike space towards smaller wheel diameters, which make ebikes more approachable, and higher volume fatter tires, which add comfort and stability... but also weight and friction. The weight and friction are offset by the motor and battery pack of an ebike. If we look at motorcycles and mopeds, most of them have gone with the fatter smaller wheel sizes too! I think it makes the most sense when you're riding further and at higher speeds. As far as folding... that's a neat feature, but does add weight, a big gusset that can be bumped by your knee, and it reduces frame strength in some cases. Companies like Benno Bikes have been inching towards plus sized tires and "light utility" cargo bikes that share many of the strengths you described. One bike to rule them all! I hope this answers your question, and I'm sorry to have taken so long. I was very excited to answer and wanted to make a video, but have just been overwhelmed.
Thanks Court for your answer, I have watch all your videos on your reviews on fat tire bikes and your answer is pretty much inline with what you say when reviewing these bikes. I think the FT bike is appealing to more and more old riders and there sales will continue to increase for there easy of use. At 74 they just make sense for us and taking them camping is a great addition to get around the campgrounds and short trips to stores, etc. I don't know that we would have purchase a 26" cruiser style bike for our riding needs, the Rad Mini was the perfect answer for us and your videos on the Rad Mini's gave us the answers we needed.
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